Identifying genuine traffic police officers is likely to be difficult for motorists as it emerged that expelled policemen and unscrupulous people were mounting illegal roadblocks using spikes to collect cash from unsuspecting people. According to police, there was a “fifth column” that masqueraded as police officers in a bid to tarnish the image of the force.

Police said they were investigating such cases in the city and urged members of the public suspicious of any group of people mounting roadblocks to contact them on hotlines (04) 748836, (04) 777651, (04) 703631 or any nearest police station.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said police would soon apprehend the criminals.

“Wherever they are, we are coming for them. Already, we have busted some of these criminal elements and we are grateful to members of the public for providing information to the police. We are equally grateful to the courts for ensuring that the culprits are kept away from society.

“So far, there are some bogus police officers who have appeared before the courts and one has been convicted and is now serving a jail term. Currently, three men are in police custody helping with investigations for similar offences,” Snr Asst Comm Charamba.